Advancing Women's Leadership
The Advancing Women's Leadership forum brings together renowned diverse world leaders to inspire young women to make a lasting, positive and powerful impact in the communities where they live and work.
Launched by a group of local business, education and civic leaders in 2013, the Advancing Women's Leadership (AWL) half-day signature event brings outstanding women leaders to Stockton to inspire and empower youth and adults. AWL is a movement to transform the community through the leadership development of women and girls.
Three of the most dynamic women will take the stage Tuesday, September 12, 2017 at University of the Pacific's Alex G. Spanos Center for one of the most exciting and inspirational events of the year. Facebook's Chief Operating Officer and best-selling author Sheryl Sandberg, will be our headliner. Considered one of the most powerful and influential people in the world, Sheryl is committed to inspiring women in their personal growth and leadership.
Bank of America California's President Janet W. Lamkin, a dynamic business leader and Stockton native, will be one of the opening speakers. Janet was the first woman to be president and CEO of the California Bankers Association, the largest banking trade association in the country, and was named one of the 100 most influential business women in the San Francisco Bay Area.
And prepare to be energized by the riveting piano performance and inspiring message of Classical Music's "No. 1 Maverick" Jade Simmons. One of the most versatile concert artists on the stage today, Simmons will challenge you to think bigger, do bigger and be bigger.
The founding leaders include Dea Spanos-Berberian, A.G. Spanos Companies; Kristen Birtwhistle, Kaiser Permanente; the Honorable Connie Callahan, U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit; Kathleen Lagorio Janssen, Lagorio Family of Companies; and Cyril Seligman, EMMI Physician Services.
Doors for this event open at 7:00am, program begins at 8:30am.
Learn more about the Advancing Women's Leadership 2017 event >>
Hosted by University of the Pacific, AWL serves as a collaborative community effort that promotes women's leadership throughout San Joaquin County by:
- Serving as a conduit of information, ideas and resources on women's leadership
- Educating local organizations on women's economic and civic impact
- Cultivating future leaders from the region by providing educational and training opportunities
- Showcasing women's leadership
Past keynote speakers include Condoleezza Rice, former secretary of state of the United States and Sonia Sotomayor, associate justice, United States Supreme Court.
A scholarship was established with the proceeds from the 2015 AWL forum in honor of Justice Sonia Sotomayor. The amount raised exceeded $150,000 and was matched by the Powell Match Fund. This new University of the Pacific scholarship fund will provide support to students who exemplify academic success and service to their communities.
Look for updates on the university Facebook page and join the conversation using #AWL2017